Brutalization of Indigenous Women

Photo Source:  BBC News

Amnesty International has reported that 685 women were brutally tortured and murdered in Guatemala in the year 2010.  Less than 4% of these cases are likely to result in convictions (BBC News). The international human-rights community has demanded that Guatemalan authorities investigate these crimes and prosecute those responsible.  Guatemalan authorities have shown little inclination to pursue the perpetrators and seem to lack the basic skills needed for the investigative work (North American Congress on Latin America).

Opinions differ greatly as to the cause of the violence. Some say that Guatemalan soldiers developed an appetite for rape and torture during the Civil War.  Ex-soldiers are thought to indulge this appetite by abducting and brutalizing indigenous women. It has been further suggested that the Guatemalan government secretly condones the brutality as a method of social control upon the indigenous population. Others say that the abducted women are involved in gangs or drugs and so deserve their fate. Indeed, a few of the victims have been shown to be thus involved (NACLA).

Earlier reports by Amnesty International indicate that there is an acute level of sexual violence within the homes of Guatemala.  Exasperating the domestic situation is the Guatemalan legal system that has long treated domestic violence as a minor disturbance.  The continuing lack of action by the authorities sends the message that violence against women is acceptable in Guatemala (BBC News). 

Lienzo de Quauhquechollan

Photo Source:  Quauhquechollan

The Lienzo de Quauhquechollan is a pictographic map that chronicles the conquest of Guatemala.  It is unique in that it reflects the point of view of the indigenous conquerors.  The Quauhquecholteca who painted the story map, were from Central  Mexico.  They had been unhappy under Aztec rule and allied themselves with the Spanish Conquistadors when they arrived.   

The Quauhquecholteca began painting the 8’ X 10’ cloth in 1530 while in the midst of their military campaign against the Maya.  The painted symbols on the cloth represented what was important to them during their journey through Guatemala.  Geographic landmarks, towns, events, activities, and  even cultural concepts had their own unique symbols.  The Quauhquecholteca often used lienzos as storyboards for oral presentations and public performances. 

New interpretations of the Lienzo de Quauhquechollan by Dutch archaeologist Florine Asselbergs, suggest that the purpose of this Lienzo was to document the active role of the Quauhquecholteca in the conquest of Guatemala; and to support their claim for the later spoils of that conquest.  

Asselbergs also suggests that is it was Jorge de Alvarado, and not his brother Pedro, who actually led the Spaniards against the Maya. 

The process of the digital restoration of the Lienzo is fascinating.  Rather than explain each step, it is more effective to simply refer the reader to the 10 minute video presentation of the process at Quauhquechollan. 

The Quauhquechollan website is the repository of the Lienzo de Quauhquechollan research that was undertaken by the Universidad Francisco Marroguin in Guatemala. It is an interesting website that invites further exploration. Information and images for this post were obtained from Quauhquechollan and its publications. A special thanks goes out to reader Aschrei for sharing the Quauhquechollan resource.

Quetzal Bird

Photo Source:  El Mundo Hispano

The Maya have a legend about Quetzal Bird.  They say he was once a shabby-looking creature, with no future prospects.  However, Quetzal Bird was an ambitious and intelligent sort of fellow.  One day, he seized upon a clever idea and tricked Roadrunner into handing over his brilliant feathers.  At the opportune moment, Quetzal Bird displayed his newly acquired plumage and won the title of King of Birds. ( full version of the story at First People) 

The Quetzal bird has long held a lofty position in the Maya world.  He is said to represent the God of the Air. (Helium) The Maya considered it a crime to kill a Quetzal bird, especially since the feathers could be taken without killing him.  These feathers were highly valuable and worth more than gold. (National Geographic News) The Maya elite wore the feathers to mark their wealth and status. 

Today, the Quetzal bird is immortalized as the national bird of Guatemala.  His image appears on the Guatemalan flag and his name represents the unit of Guatemalan currency. (Guatemalan Quetzal)

Image Source:  Maps of the World

There is some evidence that the Maya built their architecture with an awareness of acoustics.  Clapping you hands at the pyramid of Chichen Itza is said to resemble the calls of the Quetzal bird. 

Compare the video to this audio clip from JungleWalk of a real Quetzal bird. 

A photograph can not do justice to the luminescence of the Quetzal plumage. See the video at The Internet Bird Collection.  The male Quetzal appears around the 30 second mark.